Small local builder that is super responsive to email and phone calls. Other builders basically ignored us (5-6 day return time on emails is simply unacceptable to me). Plus this guy will be the build supervisor so I won't be handed off from some slick salesman to another guy that's the foreman.

Also getting a new fence and gate across the driveway to open the back yard up.

3D view

Layout view

We're still pulling permits and likely the fence will go in first (our existing fence is in bad shape and will cause the pool inspection to fail). Dig starts later in November and I'll post updates since I like pictures as much as the next guy :).

From the deep end to the shallow. The gunite at the bottom of the pic is where the jump rock will be bonded.

Big bench on the back wall (aka where the dads will sit to see the TV under the arbor [if I put one in]).

Spa and the tanning ledge with the rough for the bubbler. There will be a rock cascade from the spa to the ledge.

Spa -- the four lower jets that are on the top of the picture are more than just eyeballs (more therapeutic). When I set in the lower side, the water lever will be a couple inches below the top of my shoulder (6', long torso). On my wife it will be almost to her chin.

There will be a eyeball jet in the floor (for sore feet :)) and a fountain (which we didn't want, but it was put in since it was standard).

ncr is right about the spa drains. The pool's drains are sticking up in the air and a bit close to the wall. Why?

The lower back jets seem to be very low too. The potential for an unwanted enema is significantly increased here. Remember, the plaster will further reduce the discharge level, bringing it even closer to a user's sit-down point.

The foot well jets and spa wall jets will be uneven due to the unequal water pressure at the different levels and the use of a single pump.

Not sure about the spa stuff. It's a bit late to change the jets in the spa, but we had the same concern (low). Those are adjustable eyeball jets for my wife's sciatic pain, so she did want them somewhat low. (something like this:

The drains in the deep end aren't close to the wall. What you're seeing close to the wall are vents for water under the shell that will be filled in before plaster. We had a lot of rain and the PB didn't want to worry about floating the shell.

Well we didn't pass preplaster inspection due to issues with the fence. Some were minor (like the gate clasps were 1/2 an inch too low). Some were not so minor. We either have to put a fence in around the pool or put a fence in separating the pool from the driveway or put an autoclose on the driveway gate. None of which we *want* to do, so we're exploring options.

ya we could, but we found a company to put in a safety fence around the pool for $1200 or so. We'll do that... that way maybe I won't have to fish out a wet dog that decided to check out the water all the time... and the kids won't fall in when they go back there to play and we're not watching that close.

Hate to lose a kid or pet because I was too cheap to get the pool fence installed.

Congratulations on a beautiful build! Love the the combination of natural stone colors and decent at the spa. Your choices for decking and tile blend in so nice. Looking forward to seeing it filled with water!

Any new pics?? Would love to see your finished project. How do you like the color of thewater with white plaster? We are trying to come up with the $$ to upgrade to QuartzScape but we will see. I hope all has gone well with the rest of the build.

Would love to see how this ended up. We are building a pool very similar in style and materials and would like to get an idea of what the end result will look like. Thanks for posting the progress pictures. Everything looks great so far!

The weather has NOT been cooperating here. We've had no clear days since xmas basically. Couple that with not a day off since xmas where I'm getting home in the dark and pictures of the hole in the back yard have not been all that important :)

We got our final inspection passed last week. So pool school and turnon for the heater (tomorrow on that) and we'll be swimming (finally)

goofygrin, it is my understanding that you must not put salt and use the SWG and the heater for at least 30 days. Apparently these will interrupt the curing process for the plaster. I hope Scott, poolguynj and others more experienced that I will chime in. Good luck and please continue to post pics.

I love, love, love your design. We are at the very beginning stages of thinking about building. If it's not too forward, would you mind sharing your cost? I know that pools are priced differently based on where you live but I"m just curious. FYI, we live in TN.

It's 28 days from plaster/fill today.... The PB has not turned on the SWG, drone or heater. They didn't even vacuum until last week. That's one of the benefits of this PB, they do all the stuff for the first month or so (brushing, cleaning, water setup, etc.). It's been cooooold too, so I'm glad I've not had to get in the water.

Our cost was low 40's.

We still have landscaping to do around the pool and to hide the equipment. We had the option to put the equipment around the house, but we wanted the side yard for other purposes (kids, dogs, garden). That space by the fence was going to go unused (in our experience with friends with pools), so we put everything over there and will fence/plant mask it.